On
October 1, the Interfaith Health Care Network of Corvallis - with
which Good Sam is affiliated - presented a public forum titled
"Health Care for All Oregon - a moral imperative."
Our own Fr. Simon+ was one of the panelists, along with Rabbi
Benjamin of Corvallis Jewish community and Dr. Mike Huntington of the
Congregational Church, who spoke to the shared values of their faith
communities and the values espoused by Health Care for All Oregon
(HCAO), the state-wide coalition supporting HB2922 which would create
"a comprehensive, equitable, publicly funded, high quality,
universal health care system serving everyone in Oregon..."

The
featured speaker for the evening was to have been State Senator
Michael Dembrow, the chief sponsor of the bill in the Oregon
Legislature; however due to the calling of the Oregon Legislature
into special session by the Governor, he was not able to attend.
Dr. Mike Huntington stepped in at the last minute and with the aid of
power point ably shared with us the highlights of the bill.

The
six core principles adopted by HCAO and HB2922 which characterizes
their mission are these: Universality; Equity; Accountability;
Transparency; Participation, and Public Good. Compare
those to the Vision Statement to which Interfaith Health Care
Network subscribes: INCLUSIVE
- health care is a shared responsibility that is grounded in our
common humanity; AFFORDABLE
- health care must contribute to the common good by being affordable
for individual, families and society as a whole;
ACCESSIBLE
- All persons should have access to health services that provide
necessary care and contribute to wellness; and
ACCOUNTABLE
- Our health care system must be accountable, offering a quality,
equitable and sustainable means of keeping us healthy as individuals
and as a community. Most faith communities have adopted a
statement supporting the need for universal, quality, accessible
health care. Posted around the room were copies of these
statements, including the resolution adopted by the Episcopal
Church General Convention in 1991.

The
program ended with a Q&A session. Several members of Good
Sam were in attendance. BUT THAT IS NOT THE END OF IT!!!
Corvallis' Interfaith Health Care Network will be continuing
its efforts to involve the members of faith communities in the
efforts to bring such a health care system into reality. We
believe that providing appropriate health care is a moral issue and
not merely an opportunity for a profit making enterprise.

Watch
for more opportunities to support and/or to get involved.
Coming soon to a church near you!!!